Q: Is it Alzheimer’s or forgetfulness?

Stacy Bowen

Stacy Bowen

A. Many people become concerned when they can’t find their keys or forget where they parked the car. Forgetting names and appointments, an occasional error in balancing the checkbook or temporarily loosing track of what day of the week it is may be considered typical age-related forgetfulness. However, forgetting important events, requiring help completing routine tasks, difficulty finding the words in a conversation or asking the same questions over and over may be a sign of something more serious. A decline in cognition is a symptom of many less serious conditions, many of which are treatable. If you are concerned, the best thing to do is seek medical advice. A thorough physical exam with appropriate blood work can rule out many conditions. If needed, your physician may order further neurological testing. Knowledge is far better than worry!